Sold December 2016 Back to Archive

3 1/2 inch gauge part-built ancient 4-4-0 - stock code 7177

I sold this one in 2013 (and 2007 before that) - it's recently come back as a part exchange in much the same condition as before - pictures below taken in the last week, words from 2007.

A truly ancient specimen, came from the same rather damp shed as the little 0-6-0 tank engine currently on the "Projects" page. Appears to be commercially built, I would put it at around 1920. There are lots of lovely little details touches, from the samovaresque cylinder lubricators to the ornately turned cylinder end covers. All the rods are stamped up with left and right hand markings, the eccentric straps all numbered. The chassis pushes along easily and appears to require little work to get it running on air again.

The boiler and tinware were with the chassis, although I'm still to be convinced they started life together. The firebox is just too wide to sit between the frames, although some rather globby calking could be responsible for that. There are not obvious matching holes in the frame for the smokebox mounting, although the running boards and splashers do look as if they marry up with the wheels.

If anybody can shed any more light on its origins, I would be delighted to hear from them.

Length 24 inches|
Driving wheels 4 3/4 inch diameter
Boiler 3 1/2 inch diameter barrel

gauge 3 1/2 inch